GKN Aerospace develops the future of aviation technology
GKN is constantly working towards eco-friendly aviation
It’s no secret that aviation is a source of pollution. Increasingly, countries and international organizations are raising awareness and promoting political measures to limit climate change and the environmental impact of aviation.
– That’s why GKN works every day to develop new technology and products that make aviation more environmentally friendly. Europe needs competitive and sustainable air transport, which we can offer by being part of the Clean Sky 2 project, says Eivind Bakke, Team Leader for System Support at GKN Aerospace Engine Systems Norway.
What is a shaft?
The shaft is a rotating component subjected to very strong forces. It connects the turbine to the compressor and spans most of the engine’s length. There can be up to three concentric shafts rotating at independent speeds, with as many sets of turbines and compressors. Cooling air for the turbines can flow through the shaft from the compressor.
The material of the shaft is usually resistant steel alloys.
Overall goals of the project are:
- To increase aircraft fuel efficiency and thus reduce CO2 emissions by 20-30% compared to state-of-the-art aircraft.
- To reduce the aircraft’s NOx and noise emissions by 20-30% compared to state-of-the-art aircraft.
Increased efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and reduced noise
The Clean Sky 2 research program is an initiative for greener aviation. The project started in 2008 and aims to develop aircraft engines with increased efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, and reduced noise.
The program is a collaboration between the European Commission and several European companies in the aviation industry, including GKN Aerospace.
Clean Sky 2 is a demonstration project, meaning that all parts and new technologies are developed and tested on a full scale. It is the largest European research and innovation project ever in aeronautics.
The most effective means of reducing CO2 emissions
As part of the Clean Sky 2 program, GKN Aerospace contributes its expertise and innovative technology to develop more sustainable and efficient aircraft. At the Kongsberg department, they have produced a shaft for a test rig on an aircraft engine demonstrator to test the new technology.
– The shaft for the test rig was ordered by the German aircraft engine manufacturer MTU Aero Engines, via GKN Sweden, and the project managers at GKN Sweden saw the opportunity to utilize the shaft expertise at GKN in Kongsberg, explains Eivind Bakke enthusiastically.
In the Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe (ACARE) strategic research and innovation agenda (SRIA), Clean Sky is identified as probably the most effective means of reducing CO2 emissions.
An extensive project
The project has gone through many different phases since its inception in 2008. In 2021, the project was at the testing stage. In 2022, the production of the individual part began. Now in 2023, the subproject is in the assembly phase, and the next phase will be the testing phase.
The entire Clean Sky project is very extensive and has many subprojects, both within engines, aerodynamics, and other configurations, says Bakke.
Exciting and educational project
Project participants at GAN (GKN Aerospace Norway) contributed input on the design and production process of the shaft.
– Many people from operations, technical, and method owners at GAN have been involved in the production of the shaft, which was completed and shipped just before Easter 2023. It is now headed for assembly testing at GKN in Trollhättan, and further to assembly at MTU in Munich, explains Bakke.
He does not hide the fact that it has at times been a demanding, but also exciting and educational project.
– There were some bumps and delays along the way, but the communication and collaboration with both GAS (GKN Aerospace Sweden) and MTU were good throughout. The project was very educational and gained a lot of experience.
Strengthened collaboration
GKN wants to thank everyone who contributed to the project.
– Clean Sky 2 has strengthened GKN’s relationship with MTU, which could open up new assignments or contracts in the future, for example through upcoming phases in Clean Sky. Not least, the project has contributed to the development of the future greener aviation industry, in line with GKN Aerospace’s visions.
Sustainability Heroes
We at GKN are constantly working to optimize and improve sustainability solutions. We have therefore put together our very own sustainability team consisting of Urszula Jaciszyn, Roger Moe, and Eilev Aakre. We call them the Sustainability Heroes.
– Being sustainable is very important for GKN Aerospace Norway. By focusing on sustainable solutions, we improve our ability to recruit, experience increased revenue, and gain greater competitiveness. Choosing sustainable solutions does not come at the expense of anything else, explains Eilev Aakre.
Another important point for better sustainability is GKN’s utilization of solar energy. Among other things, we use solar energy as a power source, as an environmentally friendly replacement for electricity.
– We are working to replace all electricity with solar energy. Additive Manufacturing, called 3D printing, is also a very exciting field we are working towards. Imagine – in the future, aircraft parts could be produced in a printer!